The Phil Hoffmann Travel journey humbly began from Gordon Street, Glenelg in 1990 with just Phil and two staff. Phil’s goal at the time was to have a total of five staff and play golf on Wednesdays.
Thirty years later, with over 200 staff, nine branches and 12 National Awards, Phil is still trying to work out how it all happened – and how he can get Wednesdays off for golf! Phil believes his biggest asset is his team of passionate and qualified South Australians. The success of Phil Hoffmann Travel can be greatly attributed to CEO and Director, Peter Williams, a dynamic management team and a dedicated staff – all of whom have become a very special extended family to Phil and his wife, Alison.
the beginning
Since its inception, Phil Hoffmann Travel has built an impeccable reputation amongst the travelling public for quality, value and personalised service. When Phil Hoffmann established his own agency in Glenelg in 1990 with a staff of two, he had a vision of providing his customers with something extraordinary – inspiring travel experiences coupled with outstanding customer service. Phil’s foresight and love of cruising saw him open Australia’s first dedicated cruise centre over 25 years ago, along with an exclusive escorted groups program to offer the South Australian market unmatched product and experiences. It is this approach that has enabled the success of this multi-award winning business in a competitive and challenging market.
partnership
Director and CEO Peter Williams joined the company in 1993. Establishing himself at Glenelg with a passion for exceptional service and people management, Peter opened Phil Hoffmann Travel’s second branch at Norwood in 1996, before returning to Glenelg in 2003 as a Director. Peter’s strategic vision for growth and diversity across the business has seen Phil Hoffmann Travel grow to 10 locations across South Australia, offering the company sustainability and the consumer competitive choice. Peter’s ability to embrace technology coupled with a drive to offer exclusive products negotiated through superior supplier relationships, has seen the business lead the market nationally in many destinations and products, whilst reaping many aspired awards.
teamwork
A commitment to offering travellers the best in customer service, knowledge and experience, along with a value on employee loyalty and the desire to create careers paths for our team, has seen Phil Hoffmann Travel invest in continued training opportunities. Our team of 120+ consultants, led by a highly productive and driven senior management team, are supported by a dedicated product team as our epicentre of knowledge. Our highly experienced and long-serving Business Travel department offers over 200 businesses the highest level of personalised service and experience, supported by a business development team of five to maximise business, leisure and MICE opportunities.
achievement
Dedication and consistency in delivering the specific needs of the traveller have quickly earned the company an enviable reputation from its competitors and affiliates. In 1994, Phil Hoffmann Travel was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Retail Travel Agency’ for the first time at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards – one of many esteemed accolades and awards it has won, an unprecedented 12 times since, the most recent in 2018.
community
As a great community supporter, Phil Hoffmann Travel generously sponsors over 50 charities, clubs and associations through fundraising, sponsorship and volunteer work. More than just a travel agency, they also offer Italian lunches and language classes and a large range of valuable travel experiences.
growth
Today, the proudly South Australian, family-owned business employs over 200 staff. A loyal following of key staff and clients, along with preeminent supplier relationships, combined with innovation, ambition and maintaining a strong family culture have all been instrumental to the success of Phil Hoffmann Travel.